Can I make a rocket by mixing aluminum + iodine (+ water catalyst)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using aluminum iodide (AlI3) in a tungsten container as a rocket propellant, similar to reactions involving sodium and water or hydrochloric acid (HCl) with aluminum. The participants highlight that while aluminum iodide sublimates and produces gas, the extreme temperatures generated during the reaction may compromise the integrity of tungsten, which has a melting point of 3400 degrees Celsius. Safety concerns regarding the use of HCl and aluminum, particularly in gas form, are emphasized, indicating that such experiments are hazardous and not recommended for amateur use.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical reactions involving aluminum and halides
  • Knowledge of material properties, specifically tungsten's melting point
  • Familiarity with rocket propulsion principles
  • Awareness of safety protocols for handling hazardous materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and safety data of aluminum iodide (MSDS)
  • Explore the principles of rocket propulsion and thrust generation
  • Investigate alternative materials for high-temperature rocket construction
  • Learn about the chemistry of aluminum reactions with acids like HCl
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for amateur rocket enthusiasts, chemists exploring propellant options, and safety professionals concerned with handling hazardous materials in experimental settings.

gggnano
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TL;DR
Vigorous, spontaneous reaction that releases gaseous aluminum iodide and ~2000 C degrees temperature?
Basically it's a well known reaction, many kids on youtube make it for the views:



I am thinking, since AlI3 sublimes can it be put in say tungsten bottle (is this even a thing??) and then used as a rocket the same way Na+H2O or HCL+Al rockets are used - the gas escapes? This phase transformation of the halide is very hot though which is why I'm suggesting thungsten container since it has melting point of 3400 degrees compared to the 2000 or so reached during the reaction. I suspect the tungsten will get very soft and elastic and glowing yellow/red during the process.
 
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Tungsten is not exactly ideal rocket material. It is considerably heavier then lead.
Also who makes rockets from HCl and Al? Back to the drawing board
 
hutchphd said:
Tungsten is not exactly ideal rocket material. It is considerably heavier then lead.
Also who makes rockets from HCl and Al? Back to the drawing board

I'm not saying it's a good choice at all...even among hobbiests who use "rocket candy", the question is if the gas expands fast enough to create thrust:

 
On another note both HCL and the halide are very unsafe to use especially in their gas form when the wind can blow them into you, which is why I said that kids use them as evident by the youtube videos.
 
So why are you repeating this supercilious crap?
 
hutchphd said:
So why are you repeating this supercilious crap?

Sorry what?? It's just a question, can it happen or not? I was just proving my point that it's far from ideal...the question remains though lol.
 
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Thread locked.

Google "aluminum iodide MSDS" for starters on safety concerns.